Questions On Evangelism And Our Example (2)

Question 6. I am of Native American descent. I go to a non-dinominational Christain church. I struggle with the idea of Christianity and my native culture (e.g. the Sundance). Is there a way that a person can be a Christain and follow their native ways as well?

Answer As to this, your question is very good. I believe the following outline should answer most of your question. Also, as to becoming a Christian, please refer to the section on What Must We Do To Be Saved? Now, here's the outline.

1. The Unifying Power of The Gospel - Introduction
1. Dinkins (one-time mayor of New York City) Thanksgiving speech calling for reason, respect (tolerance) and reconciliation.
2. Fernandez and school system Children of the Rainbow Sex-Ed and multi-cult. programs.
3. Our own country, freedom - today, freedom without responsibility or an absolute moral standard.
4. All of these examples are attempts by humanity to harmonize diverse groups into educational, social and political units where people might live together united in one purpose without destructive strife and selfish concerns being displayed by one group against another.
5. The goal is worthy, but the means of humanity are lacking. Many times their cures only exasperate the differences between groups or else force others to compromise their beliefs and accept the beliefs of others that are forced upon them.
6. It is only on the gospel of Christ where humanity can unite, no matter what the national or social differences, in such a way where they can worship and work together in serving God and one another.
7. What is it about the gospel that can bring about what man so desperately wants to accomplish? We turn to a study of the unifying power of the gospel of Christ.
2. Basis For This Unity - Submission To Christ
1. Jesus, in His death, has provided forgiveness of sins to all people, not matter what our national origin - no matter what our social status. Rev. 5:6-10.
2. Regardless of cultural differences, all have sinned before God. Rom. 3:21-23.
3. It is only as we submit to Jesus in obedient faith that we can receive forgiveness of our sins. Gal. 3:26-29.
4. Since all have sinned and all must obey in the same way, there is no difference between us as far as worldly differences are concerned. We are all brethren in Christ.
3. Unity Displayed And Maintained In Christ
1. The way we are unified in Christ is, we all agree to submit to the same standard of behavior - His word. Col. 3:5-17.
2. The barbarians identified here were those who were not Greek and/or did not speak Greek. They were considered worthless by those who felt superior culturally.
3. Instead of tolerating and excusing the sins of every culture, in Christ, all cultures agree to set aside sin and abide by His word.
4. Although we may have local churches in different countries, composed primarily of the same nationality, there is no local church in any country superior to another because of any cultural differences!
5. The same is true for individual Christians.
4. Unity Displayed Even When There Are Differences
1. Although we are to submit to the same standard, there are situations when we may differ with one another without having it affect our unity together.
2. These are situations where the differences don’t have to do with sin, but are matters of opinion.
1. Nature of the differences. Rom. 14:1-2.
2. What should we do in these situations? Rom. 14:3-6, 10-12.
3. Keep these things to ourselves and don’t lead anyone to stumble - do something they believe is sinful. Rom. 14:13-17, 21-23.
3. However, there are situations when our cultural influences confilict with the Law of God, we must disobey our cultural traditions and submit to the Word of God.
1. Example 1 – Polygomy.
1. Practiced in nigeria and many Arab countries.
2. As Christians, we should not practice this. Matthew 19:3-6.
2. Example 2 – Eating of blood.
1. Practiced in Philippines, Germany and other places.
2. As Christians, we must not practice these things. Acts 15:19-20.
3. Example 3 – Drinking of alcohol.
1. Common in many cultures, especially gathering together for parties at bars or pubs or for various social occasions.
2. As Christian,s we must not practice these things. 1 Pet. 4:1-6.
5. Conclusion
1. In Christ, we are united together - seeking to follow the same standard having come to Jesus the same way because we are all sinners before God.
2. If not sinful, we can continue to follow cultural traditions as long as others do not stumble. In this way, we can be an influence to others. 1 Cor. 9:19-23.
3. If sinful, we turn from these practices no matter how beloved they are in our cultures. God has always required this of His people. Lev. 18:1-5, Titus 1:10-14.
4. What man is searching for can only be found in Christ and eventually will be perfectly manifested in eternity.

Hope this helps.  As to your specific example in regard to sundance, note Romans chapter 1.  We are to worship God and not what has been created.  Contact Gary